Herbert von Karajan

BEETHOVEN Symphonie No. 9 Karajan 4776325

Karajan made three recordings of the mighty Ninth Symphony for DG of which this 1977 take is the finest. Tonal beauty and sophistication go hand in hand with bracing physicality to make this one of the most compelling Ninths ever recorded . . . Awesome tuttis underpinned by visceral timpani alternate with melt-in-the-mouth string textures throughout, making this an unforgettable experience.

Record Review /
Julian Haylock,
Classic FM (London) / 01. April 2007

. . . this version may be the best of the lot. The sound remains impressive, the performance idiomatic and virtuosic, the Berlin brass, in particular being especially impressive. Most significantly, this CD comprises, so far as I know, the reading's first release as a moderately priced single disc. It is worth every penny . . . the winds have bite, the brass snarl, and strings are free of untoward lushness . . . With its well-chosen tempos, explosive fortes, and fine sound, this is a most welcome reissue.